You have gone to make a pitch. You will surely talk about your company and its credentials. You may start with the basic information, the offices you have around the world. Then talk about the business you are in and its various verticals. Then talk about the clients you serve and some testimonials. You will eventually talk about the client. How can you help them? You understand their business and know their problems. You are the right resource. Aren't you? How much time do you talk about yourself and how much time you talk about the client? Cut down drastically on the time you spend on yourself. The client is not interesting beyond a few basic things. You are good that's why you are there. Finish talking about yourself and focus on the client and their problems. Less: About Us More: About Them

My blog has turned 6. I started blogging in January 2009 after I had quit my job. I took up another job, life got busier but I kept going. 6 years later, I have 518 posts and 1.3 million views. I also have advertisers :) It's an awesome feeling. Today, I am again in a similar situation. I have quit my job and starting on my own; a s a marketing consultant and a presentation architect. The blog gives me confidence as I move into the unknown future.  Thanks for reading, thank for sharing and thanks for advertising. Thank for liking my stuff, writing to me and all the encouragement. To read some of the best stuff from my blog, click here .

I have read more than 10 books on presentations so far and do not wish to read any more in the near future. It is better to implement what one has learnt than keep reading new stuff. Having said that, I got hold of this book for free. Could not resist buying it (I mean it was free!). I did read the book. I have read Dan Roam before .  The book is quite simple, nice and very fast to read. Here is the crux of the book: How can you make extraordinary presentations? Tell the truth Tell it with a story Tell the story with pictures We deliver a report, a pitch or a presentation so that the audience sees the things the way we do. A normal presenter shares data. A good presenter changes what you know. A great presenter changes what you believe. If we follow these three rules, we will achieve our objective. How? When we tell the truth - we connect with our audience, we become passionate and we find tremendous self confidence . Our fear comes down. We remem...

Here is a list of words which are losing their meaning because we have started using these too liberally. In this new year let us say no to these: World Class State of the art Strategic Leading brand 360 Degree Marketing Proven Track Record Experienced Faculty Extensive Research In-Depth Knowledge Rich & Proven Experience Dynamic Personality Optimization Which other words / phrases would you like to add to this list?

I have started my own consulting business and one of the first things I needed to have was a business card. Instead of designing on my own, I chose a website this time. After I chose the layout and typed my content, I came across some good tips about design. Please check the following: 1. Information is accurate and spelled correctly 2. Text is legible and contrasts against the background 3. Images are clear and don't appear blurry 4. Nothing is overlapping and close to the margins I found these tips really useful. Use these as a check-list after you have designed your slides. Is my information accurate? Are there any spelling mistakes? Is my text legible? Is the text colour contrasting well with the slide background? Is my image pixellated (blurred)? Usually happens when we use low resolution images Is my text/ image overlapping anywhere? Here is the visiting card:

Dear friends and readers, This new year has brought something completely new for me. I have resigned from my job as the marketing head of a consumer goods company and have decided to consult companies full time. Yes, I am now a full time independent marketing consultant who will help clients across the world make better presentations, market their stuff and build awesome brands. Happy New Year. Have fun this new year.